2026-06-21 Jesus Gives Rest to Weary Sinners

Introduction

In this lesson, children will learn that Jesus lovesgives childlikerest to weary sinners. From Matthew 11:28-30, they will hear Jesus' own invitation: "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." God's Law is perfect, holy, and good, but sinful hearts cannot keep it. No matter how hard we try, we always fall short. Trying to earn God's love by being good enough is like trying to lift a bag that is way too heavy for us: exhausting and impossible. But Jesus came to do what we could not. Jesus kept every single one of God's rules, perfectly, for sinners. When we stop trying to save ourselves and trust andin welcomesJesus, everyHe sinner who knows they need Him. Through two short stories (Jesus blessinglifts the littleheavy childrenload inof Marksin 10:13-16,off our shoulders and Zacchaeusgives theour taxsouls collectorreal in Luke 19:1-10), children will see that Jesus loves to be near people who know they cannot save themselves. Little children do not pretend to be strong. They depend on their parents for everything. Jesus wants every person, children and grown-ups, to come to Him like that: helpless, trusting, happy to depend on Him. Zacchaeus was a grown man, but he was childlike enough to climb a tree just to see Jesus, and Jesus honored that by going to his house. Everyone needs Jesus, and only those who come like a little child will enter the kingdom of God.rest.

Main Ideas:

• ChildrenGod's Welcomed:Rules Are Good: JesusGod's loveslaws childrenare holy, righteous, and welcomesgood. them.God Hewants isus neverto toolove busyand forobey them.
• ChildlikeToo Trust:Heavy to Carry: Sinners cannot fully obey God's perfect law. Trying to earn heaven by being good is a burden too heavy for anyone to carry.
• Jesus Is the Perfect Law-Keeper: Jesus wantsobeyed every personone toof comeGod's torules Himperfectly, within aour humble,place, dependentso heart,that likesinners acould child.be saved.
• NotJesus TooGives Big for Jesus:Rest: Grown-upsWhen needwe Jesusstop just as much as children do. Zacchaeus climbed a treetrying to seesave Him.
ourselves
• Onlyand Jesustrust Saves:in Nobody,Jesus, bigHe orlifts small,the canheavy fixload theirand owngives sinfulrest heart.to Onlyour Jesushearts can.and souls.

Praise and Worship (15 mins)

Parents: The parent and child scheduled for this week will lead us in singing on Sunday. Please take time to practice the songs together at home, helping your child feel confident and joyful as they prepare to lead.

Prayer and Offering (5 mins)

Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.

What is Offering?

Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.

Why Do We Make an Offering?

To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, “Thank You, God!”
To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God’s love.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!

Prayer for Offering

Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Review Verse from Last Week

JohnMark 6:35a10:14b

[Jesus said,] "I amLet the breadchildren come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger,God."

Bible Story (10 min)

Introduction (2 min)

Props Needed:

• A signsturdy thatcloth saysbag "TWOor YEARSpillowcase OLD"filled with heavy objects (orbooks, a littlebag toy,of sippyflour, cup,rocks): ortoo babyheavy blanket)for a child to lift easily
• A sturdyfew chairlight objects (tocotton balls, tissue, a paper napkin)
• Ten paper signs numbered 1-10, each with one of God's commandments written simply (e.g., "1. Love God most," "2. No idols," "3. Honor God's name," etc.). Attach string so they can be thehung treeover forsomeone's Zacchaeus)neck.
• A "Zacchaeus" paperJESUS" sign (with a small, short-looking person drawn on it)
string
• Ato "Jesus"hang paperover signan adult volunteer's neck (Perfect Law-Keeper)
• A Darkened Heart and a ShinyRed Heart from past lessons
• An adult volunteer (arranged beforehand) who will stand with arms out like a cross

 

(Place the heavy bag and the light objects on the floor at the front. Pick a child volunteer to come forward. Put the "Two Years Old" sign on them and ask them to kneel down to look smaller.up.)

Teacher: "ThisI need a strong helper! [Child's name], can you come here? Good. Here is myyour friendjob: [child'splease name].pick Todayup theythis arebag pretendingand carry it over to bethat TWO years old. Okay, let's pretendcorner. I amwill theirpick mom.up Wethese arelight walkingthings."

to

(Start picking up the store.cotton Andballs weand comepaper toeasily. Let the child struggle with the heavy bag. Let them try for a BIGfew busymoments, street.then Carsstop areand zoomingbring by!them Whatback.)

should

Teacher: "Wow, that bag is HEAVY, isn't it? Look, I had no problem with my tissues and cotton balls. But [child's name] do?is working SO hard, and the bag will not move. Why do you think that is?"

Interaction: "RaiseEveryone, yourwas handthe ifbag youtoo think they should hold Mommy's hand!heavy?"

Teacher: "YES!Yes! TheyThe shouldbag holdis myway hand.too Why?heavy Becausefor a littlechild. two-year-oldEven if [child's name] tries with all their might, they just can't read the stop lights. They can't see over the cars. They don't know when it's safe to cross. So what do theyit. do? They TRUST Mommy. They hold on tight."

Interaction: "Pretend to grab onto Mommy's hand. Squeeze tight!"

Teacher: "That is called TRUSTING. Children trust their parents because they know: 'I am little.bigger and stronger, so I needcan help. MommyHere, loves[child's me.name], Mommylet knowsme whatcarry tothat do.'for Childrenyou. areGood GOODjob at trusting.trying!"

(Lift the bag easily and set it aside. Thank the volunteer and have them sit back down.)

Teacher: "Now,Sometimes we try SO hard to do something good, but it is just too big for us. That happens with rules too. Our parents make good rules, and we try to obey. But sometimes grown-upswe forgetbreak howthem anyway, right?"

Interaction: "Who has ever tried really hard to trust.be Theygood, startand tostill think,messed 'Iup? amRaise big.your Ihand!"

am

Teacher: strong."Me Itoo. canEveryone do it myself.' But the Bible says EVERYONE, even grown-ups, needs to trust Jesus like a little child trusts Mommy or Daddy.has. Today we willare going to hear twoabout storiesthe biggest rules of all, and about that.someone who can carry the heaviest load FOR us."

Story Telling: Jesus ReceivesGives ChildlikeRest to Weary Sinners (8 min)

Props / Visuals Suggested:

• "Jesus"Ten paperCommandment signsigns on strings
• "Zacchaeus"JESUS" paper(Perfect Law-Keeper) sign on string
• SturdyHeavy chairbag (tree)from the intro
• Darkened Heart and ShinyRed Heart
• Adult volunteer to play the role of "the Perfect Law-Keeper"

 

Part 1: ParentsGod's BringRules TheirAre Children to JesusGood (2 mins)

Teacher: "OneThe day,most Jesusimportant wasrules teachingin athe BIGwhole crowdworld ofare people.God's Andrules. manyThe momsBible says God's rules are HOLY, RIGHTEOUS, and dadsGOOD. hadGod broughtgave theirus children.rules Theybecause saidGod toloves themselves,us. 'WeGod wantknows Jesuswhat tois bless OUR kids! Let's go bring them to Jesus!'best."

Interaction: "EveryoneEveryone, wiggletwo inthumbs excitement.UP Pretendfor aGod's parentgood is taking you by the hand to go see Jesus!rules!"

Teacher: "ButA long time ago, God gave Moses ten very special rules called the disciplesTEN sawCOMMANDMENTS. allLet's thesecount littlethem childrenon coming,our fingers!"

(Call a child forward. Hang the ten Law signs, one by one, around the child's neck as you list them. Keep it light and thefast.)

disciples

got
• "One! GRUMPY.Love TheGod disciplesMOST said,of 'all."
• "Two! No idols, no no!other Stop!gods."
Jesus
• "Three! isHonor tooGod's busy!name."
Jesus
• "Four! isRest tooon importantGod's tospecial talkday."
to
• "Five! LITTLEHonor kids!your Gomom away!'and dad."

• "Six! Don't hurt people."
• "Seven! Be faithful."
• "Eight! Don't steal."
• "Nine! Don't lie."
• "Ten! Don't be jealous and want what other people have."

Interaction: "PutLook at [child's name]! Whoa! That is a sternlot faceof onrules. andPretend wagYOU yourare finger.wearing 'No!all Gothose away!'signs. HowAre wouldthey thatgetting make you feel?heavy?"

Teacher: "That would make the kids SAD. It would make the parents SAD too. They wanted Jesus, and the disciples were pushing them away."

Teacher: "But then Jesus heard what the disciples were saying. And Jesus was NOT happy with them at all. Jesus said, 'Let the children come to Me! DO NOT stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to people like them!'"

Interaction: "Stand up tall and say it like Jesus: 'Let the children come to Me!'"

Teacher: "And then Jesus took the little children in His arms. Jesus held them. Jesus put His hands on them and blessed them. Even the littlest, smallest child was not too small for Jesus. Jesus had time for every singleEvery one of them."

these

Interaction:rules "Crossis yourGOOD. armsAnd overGod's yourrules chestdid likenot astop bigthere. hug.God Jesushas loveseven littleMORE kids!rules about how to love Him and love our neighbors. God wants us to obey ALL of them, perfectly, all the time. Every day. No slip-ups."

 

Part 2: WhatThe JesusRules MeansAre byToo ChildlikeHeavy (2 mins)

Teacher: "Then Jesus said something very important. Jesus said, 'Whoever does NOT come to the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it.'"

Teacher: "That is a BIG deal. Jesus was saying: everyone has to come to Me like a CHILD comes to their parent. But what does that mean? Does it mean grown-ups have to start crawling on the floor?"

Interaction: "Shake your head NO! That's silly!"

Teacher: "No! Jesus is not saying grown-ups need to act like babies. Jesus is talking about the HEART. A child comes to a parent and says:"

• "'Mommy, I'm hungry, can you feed me?' (Children KNOW they can't feed themselves.)"
• "'Daddy, I'm tired, can you carry me?' (Children KNOW they can't do it on their own.)"
• "'Mommy, I fell, can you fix my boo-boo?' (Children KNOW they need help.)"

Interaction: "Reach out both arms like a little child wanting to be picked up. Say, 'I need You!'"

Teacher: "A child DEPENDS on their parents. A child TRUSTS their parents. A child does NOT say, 'I can do it all by myself, I don't need you!' That is how Jesus wants us to come to Him. Not proud. Not saying, 'I'm pretty good!' But saying, 'Jesus, I need You. I cannot fix my own heart. Please save me.'"

(Hold up the Darkened Heart.)

Teacher: "NoneBut here is the problem. Do we have a shiny, perfect heart that LOVES to obey God? No. The Bible says ALL of us,us have a darkened heart. We were born with a sinful heart. And a sinful heart CANNOT keep all of God's rules, no matter how bighard orit howtries."

small,

Interaction: "Shake your head: 'No, we can't!'"

Teacher: "In Jesus' day, many people tried SO hard to obey all the rules. They thought, 'If I can cleanjust ourbe owngood hearts.enough, WeGod allwill havebe to come to Jesushappy with open hands, like a little child, and say, 'Please help me. I trustwill You.earn my way to heaven.' EveryoneBut needsthey Jesus.got tired. And frustrated. And sad. Because no matter how hard they tried, they kept breaking the rules. And the more rules they tried to keep, the more tired and sad they got."

(Hold up the heavy bag again.)

Teacher: "Trying to be good enough for God is like this bag. It is TOO HEAVY. Nobody can carry it. Not the strongest grown-up. Not the best-behaved kid. Nobody."

Interaction: "Pretend to try to lift a giant bag. Grunt! Ugh! Too heavy!"

Teacher: "Sinners can NEVER be saved by trying to obey all the rules. We need help. We need someone stronger to do it FOR us."

 

Part 3: ZacchaeusJesus' ClimbsBig a TreeInvitation (2 mins)

(Bring out the "Zacchaeus" sign.)

Teacher: "Here is a story about a grown man who had a CHILDLIKE heart. His name was ZACCHAEUS. Can you say that with me? ZA-KEE-US!"

Interaction: "Everyone, say it loud! 'ZACCHAEUS!'"

Teacher: "Zacchaeus was a grown-up, but he was VERY short. And Zacchaeus was a TAX COLLECTOR, just like Levi. He cheated people out of money. Everybody HATED him."

Interaction: "Make a sad face for Zacchaeus. Nobody liked him."

Teacher: "One day, Jesus wassaw walkingcrowds throughof Zacchaeus'stired, town.sad sinners who were trying and trying and trying to be good enough. And ZacchaeusJesus heardsaid thatthe most wonderful words. Listen carefully. This is Jesus wasspeaking, coming.right Heout was SO excited. He REALLY wanted to see Jesus. But there were so many people, and Zacchaeus was so short, that he could not see overof the crowd."

Interaction: "Jump up on your tippy-toes! Can you see? No! Too many heads in the way!Bible."

(MotionOpen the Bible to theMatthew chair.11:28-30.)

Teacher: "SoJesus Zacchaeussaid: did'COME somethingto thatMe, grown-upsall usuallywho don't do. Zacchaeus ran ahead,labor and heare CLIMBEDheavy UPladen, Aand TREE!I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.'"

Interaction: "PretendStretch your arms out wide like Jesus, and say with me: 'Come to climb a tree! Hand over hand, up, up, up!Me!'"

Teacher: "AJesus grown-up,was withsaying, a'Are fancyyou coat,tired? climbingAre ayou treesad? likeAre ayou littletrying child!so Didhard Zacchaeusto carebe ifgood peopleand laughedit at him? No! Zacchaeus didis not careworking? ifCOME heTO looked silly. He just wanted to SEE JESUS. That is a childlike heart. Zacchaeus knew: 'I need Jesus more thanME. I needwill totake lookthe important.heavy load. I will give you REST.'"

Interaction: "Let your shoulders drop. Big breath out. Ahhhh, rest."

 

Part 4: Jesus Callsthe ZacchaeusPerfect DownLaw-Keeper (2 mins)

(Invite the adult volunteer to come to the front. Hang the "JESUS" / Perfect Law-Keeper sign over their neck. Have them stand with arms stretched out wide like a cross.)

Teacher: "WhenHow can Jesus gotgive tous thatrest? tree,Watch Jesusthis. STOPPED.Remember Jesusall LOOKEDthose UP.rule Andsigns on our friend [first child's name]? They were too heavy. But Jesus said, 'Zacchaeus! Hurry down! I mustwill cometake to your house today!them.'"

(Gently lift the Law signs off the child, one by one, and hang them over the outstretched arms of the volunteer playing Jesus. Five on each arm.)

• "Jesus obeyed rule one: Jesus loved God most." (Hang a sign.)
• "Jesus obeyed rule two: Jesus worshiped only God." (Hang a sign.)
• "Jesus obeyed rule three: Jesus honored God's name."
• "Jesus obeyed rule four: Jesus kept God's day holy."
• "Jesus obeyed rule five: Jesus honored His mom and dad."
• "Jesus obeyed rule six: Jesus never hurt anyone."
• "Jesus obeyed rule seven: Jesus was always faithful."
• "Jesus obeyed rule eight: Jesus never stole."
• "Jesus obeyed rule nine: Jesus never lied."
• "Jesus obeyed rule ten: Jesus never wanted anything that wasn't His."

Interaction: "Gasp! Jesus knewkept hisEVERY name!rule. CoverClap yourfor mouth in surprise!Jesus!"

Teacher: "ZacchaeusJesus wasis SOGod. happy!Jesus HeNEVER climbedbroke downa single rule, not even once, His whole life. And then Jesus did something amazing. Jesus said, 'Sinners, I will take all the treerules asFOR fastyou. asI hewill could.carry Hethe ranheavy load you could not carry. And I will carry it all the way to Jesus.the He brought Jesus to his house for dinner. And Jesus and Zacchaeus ATE together.cross.'"

Interaction: "Sit down and pretend(Point to eatthe volunteer's arms stretched out like a meal. Mmm!"cross.)

Teacher: "TheOn otherthe peoplecross, grumbled.Jesus Theytook said,the 'Lookpunishment atfor Jesus,every eatingrule withWE ahave sinner!' Butbroken. Jesus did the job we could not care what they said. Jesus came for sinners. Jesus came for Zacchaeus.do."

(Switch the Darkened Heart for the ShinyRed Heart.)

Teacher: "AndWhen Zacchaeus'swe heartstop wastrying CHANGED.to Rightsave there at dinner, Zacchaeus stood upourselves, and said,we 'Lord! I'm goingcome to give HALF my money to the poor! And if I cheated anyone, I'll pay them back FOUR TIMES more than I took!' Jesus had changed his heart. Zacchaeus trusted in Jesus and wastrust saved."

Teacher: "AndHim, Jesus said,gives 'Today,us salvationREST. hasOur comeheart goes from dark and tired to thisclean house.'and Becausepeaceful. That is the Songood ofnews. ManThat (Jesus)is camewhat toJesus seekdoes andfor toweary save the LOST. Zacchaeus was lost, but now Zacchaeus was FOUND.sinners."

Interaction: "Everyone say with me: 'Jesus camedoes toit seekfor and to save!me!'"

Teacher: "Zacchaeus came to Jesus with a childlike heart. He knew he needed Jesus. He did not try to look too important. He climbed a tree to see Him! That is the kind of faith that enters the kingdom of God. And that is what Jesus wants from every single one of us, children AND grown-ups."

 

Review with Actions

Teacher: "Let's remember the storiesit with actions!"

• Teacher: "ParentsGod's broughtrules theirare kids to Jesus.good!" (KidsTwo pretendthumbs to take a hand and walk.up.)
• Teacher: "DisciplesBut said,they 'Goare away!'too heavy for sinners to carry." (KidsPretend wagto fingerstruggle sternly.with a huge bag.)
• Teacher: "Jesus said,says, 'LetCome themto come!Me!'" (KidsOpen beckonarms with open arms.)
• Teacher: "Come to Jesuswide, like a little child." (Kids reach up like wanting to be carried.)
• Teacher: "Zacchaeus was short and sinful." (Kids make a sad face and crouch down.)
• Teacher: "Zacchaeus climbed the tree to see Jesus!" (Kids climb in place.Jesus.)
• Teacher: "Jesus said,kept 'Comeevery down!rule I'mfor coming to your house!'us." (KidsHold waveup 'come!'ten fingers, all ten.)
• Teacher: "Jesus savedcarried Zacchaeus.our load to the cross." (KidsArms handstretched onout heart,like a cross.)
• Teacher: "Jesus gives us rest!" (Shoulders drop, big smile.sigh: Ahhh.)

Teacher: "Now faster!"

• "GoGood away!rules!" (Wag finger.)
• "Let them come!" (Arms open.)
• "Trust like a child!" (ReachThumbs up.)
• "ClimbToo the tree!heavy!" (Climb.Struggle.)
• "Come to my house!Me!" (Wave.Arms wide.)
• "Jesus saves!obeyed!" (Smile,Ten handfingers.)
on
• "Cross!" heart.(Arms out like a cross.)
• "Rest!" (Big sigh.)

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

 

(Gather children close for reflection.)

---

Discussion Questions:

Teacher: "Let's think about what we learned today."

Question: "WhyAre didGod's therules disciplesgood tryor to stop the children from coming to Jesus?bad?"

Teacher Key: TheyGod's thoughtrules are GOOD. The Bible says they are holy, righteous, and good. God gives us rules because He loves us and knows what is best.

Question: "Can anyone obey all of God's rules perfectly?"

Teacher Key: No! Because we have sinful hearts, we cannot keep all of God's rules. No matter how hard we try, we fail. Only Jesus kept them all perfectly.

Question: "Why was the bag too busyheavy andfor the child to lift?"

Teacher Key: It was just too importantheavy for a little kids.person. ButIn theythe weresame wrong.way, Jesustrying to earn heaven by being good enough is never too busyheavy for children.any sinner, big or small.

Question: "What did Jesus say whento Hetired, sawsad the disciples pushing kids away?sinners?"

Teacher Key: "LetCome theto childrenMe, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus invites weary sinners to stop trying to save themselves and come to Me! Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." Jesus was actually angry with the disciples for shooing the kids away.Him.

Question: "WhatHow does it mean to come to Jesus likegive aus little child?"

Teacher Key: To come humbly, knowing we need help. To trust Jesus the way a child trusts a loving parent. To not pretend to be strong or good enough on our own.

Question: "Why did Zacchaeus climb the tree?"

Teacher Key: He was short, and he really wanted to see Jesus. He did not care if he looked silly. He knew he needed Jesus more than he needed to look important.

Question: "What happened when Jesus came to Zacchaeus's house?rest?"

Teacher Key: Jesus savedkept him!every Zacchaeus'one of God's heartrules wasfor changed.us, and then He wanted to give backtook the moneypunishment hefor hadour stolen.rule-breaking on the cross. When we trust Jesus, He becamedoes athe newwork person.we could never do, and our hearts can rest.

Question: "DoDoes grown-upsbeing needgood Jesusmake too?God love us?"

Teacher Key: YES!No. Everyone,We childrencannot earn God's love by being good, just like we don't have to earn our mom and grown-ups,dad's needslove. Jesus.God Noloves oneus canfirst. fixJesus theirsaves own sinful heart.us. We all come like little children, helplesslove and trusting.obey Him because we are thankful, not to earn anything.

Teacher: "The good news today is that you are never too little for Jesus. If you arefeel small,tired of trying to be good, tired of messing up, tired of feeling not-good-enough, Jesus welcomessays you.one Ifword to you: COME. Come to Me. I will give you are a grown-up, Jesus welcomes you, but you have to come with a heart that knows it needs Him, just like a child. Helpless. Trusting. Grateful.rest."

Closing Thought & Prayer

 

Teacher: "God's rules are perfect. Our hearts are not. But Jesus neveris. turnsJesus awaykept aevery sinnerrule, whocarried comesevery withheavy aload, childlikeand heart.died Evenfor theevery biggest,sin, toughestso grown-upthat hastired tosinners comelike theus samecould way:finally trusting,rest small,in holding on tight.Him. What a kind Savior we have, who picks up little children in His arms and calls tax collectors down from trees.Savior!"

(Fold hands and bow heads.)

Prayer: "Dear Jesus, thank You that You lovekept littleevery children.one of God's rules perfectly, for us. Thank You that You aretook neverour tooheavy busyload forof us.sin Helpall usthe way to alwaysthe cross. We cannot save ourselves. We come to You withtired, trusting hearts, knowingand we needtrust You. Please give us rest in our hearts. Help grown-upsus love Your good rules, not to rememberearn theyYour needlove, but because You too.already Savelove and change every heart in this room, just like You changed Zacchaeus.us. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Memorizing Verse: MarkMatthew 10:14b11:28

 

MarkMatthew 10:14b11:28

[Jesus said,] "Let the children comeCome to me;me, doall notwho hinderlabor them,and forare toheavy suchladen, belongsand theI kingdomwill ofgive God.you rest."

Hand Gestures:

• "Let the children comeCome to me;me,": OpenStretch both arms wideout andwide, then beckon with both hands,hands welcomingtoward people in.
• "do not hinder them,": Shake head firmly and wag a finger "no"yourself (doJesus notinviting stopsinners them!)in).
• "forall towho such belongs..."labor": PointWipe outbrow toas everyoneif aroundtired you,from pointinghard atwork, differentthen people.mime scrubbing or digging.
• "...theand kingdomare ofheavy God.laden,": PointHunch upshoulders and pretend to heavencarry witha bothhuge, hands,heavy orsack formon your back.
• "and I will give you rest.": Drop the invisible sack off your shoulders, stand tall, take a big crownbreath overout your("ahhh"), head.and fold hands peacefully.

Teacher Tip: Focus the memorization on the firstshort, shortpowerful phrase:bookends: "Let the children comeCome to Me... I will give you rest." Ages 4-6 can all masterlearn that easily.that. Make it a victory cheer: "Let the children COME TO ME!" said with arms wide open. The second half can be call-and-response with thechant: teacher sayingsays "Come to Me!" (arms wide), kids answer "I will give you REST!" (sack off, big sigh). Do it first.three times, getting faster each time.

Craft & Game (10 mins)

Game: "RedToo Light,Heavy!" JesusBackpack Light"Relay

AAdapted twistfrom onthe Redsource Light,lesson's GreenBurden Light.Game. Children starttake farturns fromtrying to lift a backpack loaded with too many heavy items. After everyone has struggled, the teacher (who playsplaying Jesus). Whenlifts theit teachereasily says,and "Letreminds thethem: little children cometrying to Me!"save theourselves childrenis runtoo threeheavy, stepsbut forward.Jesus Whencarries theit teacherfor says, "The disciples said, 'Go away!'" the children take two steps back. The game ends when all children reach Jesus, and they say the memory verse together.us.

⏰ Time: 5 minutes

👧 Age Group: 4-6 years

🧩 Lesson Connection: Reinforces that Jesusearning invitesour childrenway to come,heaven evenis whentoo othersheavy tryfor toany sendsinner, themand away.that Jesus is the one who carries the load for us.

---

🪜 Setup & Materials Needed:

• OpenA spacelarge, atsturdy least 10-15 feet longbackpack
• AMany paperheavy "Jesus"items figureto thefill teacherit holds,(books, orcanned thefood, teachersmall plays the rolebags of Jesusflour): enough weight that a 4-6 year old cannot carry it, but light enough that a grown-up can lift it easily
• Optional:Open afloor smallspace
chair
• Keep oritems startinglow-risk line(no markersharp corners). Use caution so no child is injured.

---

🎲 How to Play:

Step 1: LineChildren upsit allin a circle. Place the childrenempty atbackpack oneand endthe pile of theheavy room.items The teacher stands atin the other end holding up the Jesus sign.center.

Step 2: TeacherThe callsteacher out:walks "Jesus said, 'Letaround the littlecircle childrenand comegently taps one child on the head. That child gets up, loads all the heavy items into the backpack as quickly as they can, and tries to Me!'" Children take three big steps forward toward the teachercarry (armsnot open,drag) like rushingit to Jesus).

Step 3: Teacher calls out: "The disciples said, 'Go away!'" Children take two steps back, making a sad face.

Step 4: Alternate the commands. Eventually the "come to Me" wins out and children reach the teacher.

Step 5:3: Everyone cheers the child on. When everyonethey hascan't reachedcarry Jesus,it, the whole group says together: "Too heavy!"

Step 4: The teacher says: "Trying to save ourselves by being good enough is like this bag. Too heavy. We cannot do it!" Then the teacher openslifts armsthe widebackpack easily and says,says: "Welcome!But Jesus iscan."

never

Step too5: busy for you!" Then everyone saysRecite the memory verse together with gestures.actions: "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Repeat with a few different children.

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Craft: "Perfect Law-Keeper" Jesus Loves Little Me" Heart Photo FrameCraft

Adapted from the source lesson's Perfect Law Keeper activity. Children make a heart-shapedsimple framepaper figure of Jesus with arms outstretched, then hang little "rule" cards on His arms as a reminder that canJesus holdkept theirevery photorule orfor aus, drawingand of themselves, withwrote the memory verse aroundon the border. A take-home reminder that Jesus welcomes every child.back.

Materials: Pre-cut heart-shapedJesus figure on cardstock frames(arms (bigoutstretched heart withlike a smaller heart cut out in the middle for a photo/drawing)cross), crayons or markers, glue sticks, optionalscissors, stickers,small paper rectangles (pre-cut, about 1" x 2") or index cards cut in strips, a short piece of string or yarn, tape, the memory verse printed on a curved strip, a small self-portraitstrip drawnfor inthe class or a small photo.back.

The Activity:

• Step 1: Give each child a heartJesus frame.figure. Have them color and decorate it with bright colors and stickers.it.
• Step 2: InOn theeach middle (whereof the small heartpaper is cut out),rectangles, have them draw a simple picture that shows one of themselves,God's orcommands glue in(e.g., a photoheart iffor available."love God," a family for "honor parents," crossed-out fists for "don't hurt," a zipped mouth for "don't lie"). Teachers can help with ideas.
• Step 3: AroundTape a piece of string to the edgetop of theeach heart,small gluerule card and drape it over Jesus' outstretched arms. Tape the memorystring verse:down "Leton the children come to me." (Mark 10:14b)back.
• Step 4: On the back,back write:of the Jesus figure, glue the memory verse strip: "JesusCome welcomesto me!Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
• Step 5: DecorateWrite withor morehave stickersthe ifteacher timewrite: allows."Jesus kept every rule for me."
• Take Home: Children show their family: "Jesus says, 'Letis the childrenPerfect comeLaw-Keeper. toHe Me!'obeyed That'severy me!rule Jesusfor lovesme, littleso me!I can rest in Him."

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Response Song

Closing Prayer & Snack Time (10 mins)

"Dear Jesus, thank You that You welcomeare littlethe children.Perfect Law-Keeper. Thank You that noYou oneobeyed isevery toorule smallfor orus, tooand sinfulcarried the heavy load of our sin all the way to the cross. We are tired little sinners, and we come to You. HelpPlease give us torest trustin Youour the way a child trusts a loving parent.hearts. Help us totrust knowYou, wenot needour Youown everygood day.works. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Now, let us thank You for the snack we’re about to enjoy.
We fold our hands.
We bow our heads.
We thank You, God,
for this daily bread.
Amen.

Free Time & Children Pickup (15 mins)